‘They do,’ said Herodion. ‘We believe that the demons have such power sometimes permitted them. There was, for instance, a maid with the spirit of Python at Philippi, whose fame has even reached to Rome. But--’ and here he paused long, and gazed with earnest and troubled countenance on the assembled guests. ‘What is it?’ asked Apelles. ‘Apelles,’ answered Herodion, ‘thou art honest, and lovest me. Dare I tell thee that as I gaze on these guests I seem to see them as through a mist of blood?’ ‘Thou art safe with me,’ answered Apelles. ‘Should I be likely to betray the kind sharer of my cell, who nursed me last year through that long and terrible fever?’ But Herodion sank into silence, though his glance grew more and more troubled as he looked around him. Whatever it may have been granted him to see or to divine, he spoke no more. But among those guests there were no less than eight future emperors--Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, Nerva, and Trajan, then a little child, who was led in by a slave; and six of these, as well as Nero and Britannicus, and Piso Licinianus, were destined to violent deaths. Apelles recalled the scene years afterwards, when he too had become a convert to Christianity. The joyous licence of the Saturnalia put an end to all stiffness of ceremonial. The banquet was gay and mirthful, and as so many youths and boys were present the amusements were purposely kept free from such scenes as disgraced the suppers at Subiaco and the palace of Otho. It was agreed that the younger guests should cast lots which should be the king of the feast. Nero threw the Venus-throw of four sixes, and was accordingly elected with acclamation to the mirthful office. The _rex_ ruled with undisputed sway, and all were obliged to obey his bidding. Good taste and natural kindness usually prevented him from any flagrant abuse of his office. While the staid elders looked on with smiles, Nero and the younger part of the company amused themselves with various games. ‘And now,’ said the Emperor, ‘you must all obey your symposiarch, and I am going to tell you each in turn what to do.’ Otho was bidden to take off his garland, and place it on the head of the person whom he loved best; and of course he placed it on the head of Nero. Lucan, as he was fond of stories, was bidden to tell a complete story in one minute; and with surprising readiness he quoted the two Greek lines-- ‘A, finding some gold, left a rope on the ground; B, missing his gold, used the rope which he found.’[54] ‘Piso Licinianus, you are to pay me the highest compliment you can.’ Piso was no flatterer, and did not like the command, but after a moment’s hesitation he quoted Horace’s lines-- ‘How great thy debt to Nero’s race, O Rome, let red Metaurus say, Slain Hasdrubal, and Victory’s grace, First granted on that glorious day.’